Approximately 20,000 Saudi-backed forces have gathered on the Yemen border, specifically in the al-Wadeeah and al-Abr areas, to pressure the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) to relinquish recent territorial gains in the oil-rich Hadramaut governorate. This escalation highlights growing tensions between regional allies in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a strategic framework agreement for up to $5 billion in joint investments between 2025 and 2030. The partnership aims to boost renewable energy, water security, and power generation across Africa, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel's recent approval to legalize 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move a 'violation of international law' and relevant UN resolutions. The Kingdom reiterated its support for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met in Riyadh on December 14, 2025, to bolster strategic cooperation. Discussions focused on deepening ties in energy, technology, trade, and regional stability, alongside signing a mutual visa exemption agreement. Both nations affirmed commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly considering a massive €10 billion offer to acquire Spanish football club Barcelona. The potential bid, aligning with Saudi Arabia's sports investment strategy, faces significant hurdles due to Barcelona's unique member-owned 'socio' governance model and its recent financial recovery.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a historic agreement to build a 785-kilometer high-speed electric rail link connecting Riyadh and Doha. The project, set for completion in six years, will cut travel time to two hours, serve over 10 million passengers annually, and create more than 30,000 jobs, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
High-level military talks took place in Riyadh between the chiefs of staff of Turkey and Saudi Arabia on December 11, 2025. General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu and Air Chief Marshal Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, concluding with the signing of a report to reaffirm defense cooperation.
IBM, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), has announced the empowerment of over 500,000 Saudi nationals through its SkillsBuild program. This achievement, five times the initial target and 18 months ahead of schedule, significantly advances the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives for a knowledge-based economy.
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to establish a regulatory framework and accelerate the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as air taxis, across the Kingdom. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet approved the 2026 budget on December 2, 2025, outlining expenditures of 1.313 trillion SAR ($350 billion) and revenues of 1.147 trillion SAR ($306 billion), resulting in a projected deficit of 165 billion SAR ($44 billion). The budget emphasizes Vision 2030 goals, non-oil sector growth, and citizen welfare.
Apple has signed a lease to open an iconic flagship store in Diriyah Square, a significant development within Saudi Arabia's $63.2 billion Diriyah Gate project. This move marks a major milestone for the premier retail and lifestyle district, reinforcing its status as a global destination and aligning with Apple's broader expansion plans in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to alcohol beyond diplomats, now permitting non-Muslim premium residency holders and high-earning expatriates to purchase alcoholic beverages at a licensed store in Riyadh. This move is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aiming to boost tourism and diversify its economy.
At the Milken Institute Summit, Prince Turki Al-Faisal asserted that Israel is the primary source of instability in West Asia, citing its military actions. He suggested Saudi Arabia should consider developing nuclear weapons if Iran does, highlighting Israel's undeclared arsenal.
The landmark Saudi-Egypt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection project, valued at $1.8 billion, has reached 95% completion. This intercontinental link will facilitate a 3,000 MW bidirectional power exchange, enhancing energy security and supporting renewable energy goals across the Middle East and North Africa.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, experienced significant travel disruptions recently, with 215 flights delayed and 6 canceled. The chaos, attributed to high passenger traffic and operational challenges, stranded thousands of travelers and impacted major airlines including Saudia, Emirates, and IndiGO.
The fourth Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council meeting was held in Manama, Bahrain, on December 3, 2025. Co-chaired by Crown Princes Mohammed bin Salman and Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the session saw the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors, including nuclear safety, investment, and sustainable development.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has unveiled the King Salman Gate project in Makkah, a 12 million square meter urban development adjacent to the Grand Mosque. This monumental project aims to significantly enhance the pilgrim experience, transform the city's infrastructure, and align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, offering extensive residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural facilities.
The US State Department has approved two potential foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia, totaling $1 billion, for helicopter fleet services. These deals, announced by the Pentagon, include a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement for spare parts and a comprehensive training package for the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps.
The 'Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025' exhibition has begun in Riyadh, focusing on Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions. The event, under the patronage of Minister Bandar Alkhorayef, runs from December 1-3 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, aiming to advance the Kingdom's industrial sector in line with Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia and Russia have formalized a mutual visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens of both nations 90-day visa-free stays for tourism, business, and family visits. Signed in Riyadh, the deal covers all passport types and aims to significantly boost bilateral cooperation and exchange.
